South Coast Herald journalist Shona Aylward begins her exciting eight-day hike through the Wild Coast today (Sunday, July 21).

She will join a diverse group of marine biology students and aspirant environmental journalists who applied to take part in the Wild Coast hike in aid of marine conservation and grassroots eco-tourism.

Shona will be walking with WildOceans intern, Jamila Janna who scooped a R50 000 NEW Pitch Award at this week’s Nature, Environment and Filmmakers Festival, and WildOceans project officer, Masha Merlaina Ramsamooch.

The trail, from Sunday, July 21 to Sunday, July 28,  passes through the Mzamba fossil beds, the Pondoland Marine Protected Area and the Mkambathi Nature Reserve, several pristine estuaries and other biodiversity hot spots threatened with destruction.

“I am so excited about this trip, and what I will learn and experience,” said Shona.

The hikers will also crisscross red sands earmarked for heavy minerals mining by Australian-owned Mineral Resource Commodities, explore the controversial Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project.

As part of  its mission to develop environmental watchdogs, Roving Reporters, assisted by the 8 Mile Club and other organisations, raises funds for candidates to take part in these Wild Coast trails.

Writing mentoring results in publication of thought-provoking stories arising from each hike.

Here is Shona’s pitch as to WHY she is taking part in the hike:

“I see the Wild Coast as a very special part of South Africa, but I know very little about this section of the coastline, hence my excitement at taking part as an associated Roving Reporters mentor.

“I would love to learn about the cultural aspect and the bio-diversity this specific stretch of coast has to offer. I have a passion for wildlife and ocean conservation, and can use the knowledge gained during this trip for future articles which hopefully will educate and inspire the youth to care for their environment.

“The ongoing mining challenges and other issues are a huge concern to me, and I would like to find out how and why this is taking place, as a lot of people are asking these questions. As a journalist I feel I should always challenge myself to learn more about the ever-changing world we live in. I have never walked this stretch of coast – so this alone will be an interesting personal experience for me and  empower me to write about environmental issues.

It will be pretty awesome to do something that doesn’t involve a newsroom – to do something totally out of the box! – Shona Aylward

Shona is also keen to become more knowledgeable about recycling, waste disposal, and pollution, and wants to  help educate communities and the public about environmental social responsibility policies.

“Knowledge is power,” she says.

“Learning more about these topics always assists a journalist in asking the right questions – for example: is government or business operating in accordance to the environmental laws, legislation and regulations?”

Shona will be posting articles chronicling her amazing journey as often as cellphone signal permits, so watch this space for more!

• Roving Reporters Wild Walk series is sponsored by the 8 Mile Club, compliments of the Wild Swim expedition which  funds raised for marine conservation and grassroots eco-tourism initiatives on the Wild Coast.

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